In 2000, Assemblywoman Gabriela Mosquera was too busy working as a staffer — essentially, a delegate’s go-fer — at the Democratic National Convention in Los Angeles to really take it all in.

But when she touches down in North Carolina today, it’s round two.

This time, as an official New Jersey delegate.

“I’m looking to experience everything but, particularly, I’m really excited to listen to the president speak on Thursday,” she said Friday, still deciding what to pack for Charlotte’s muggy weather.

“I had the opportunity to be in the arena back in 2000, and it was electrifying,” she said. “I bet it’s going to be the same thing when I’m in Charlotte and listening to the president speak.”

While she’s headed south on her own, Mosquera — a Fourth District Assemblywoman from Gloucester Township — is certain she won’t be alone when the town is flooded with Democratic enthusiasm.

“We’ll get to know each other and mingle with other delegates and Democrats from other parts of the country,” she said.

So far, the schedules for Democrats are pretty structured, Mosquera observed.

Mornings start with briefing meetings, then each state’s delegations are off to caucuses.

“When I was staffing and helping out back in 2000, I never got the opportunity to go to these caucuses because I was making sure the delegates were where they were supposed to be at all times,” she remembered. “For me, it’s about keeping an open mind and trying to understand what’s going on in terms of how other (Democrats) see things ... for me, it’s learning.”

A typically reserved Mosquera admits she’s “giddy” over what she considers an honor to represent the state at the convention.

When her application was accepted by the state Democratic Committee and officials with the Democratic National Convention, she set off collecting the 100 signatures needed to make it to the ballot. On primary election day, Mosquera’s party peers selected her as a delegate.

“It’s beyond words,” she said. “The best word to describe what I anticipate is that everything is going to be electrifying. Every day I’m going to pinch myself to make sure I’m actually here.”

When the convention’s wonder wears off, though, there will be work to do. Democrats will be tasked with officially putting up nominations for president and vice president.

“I live in a nation where I can effect change, and I can choose my president. That is very important,” she said.

And “like a sponge,” Mosquera will be absorbing the scene and the speeches.

“I’m looking forward to being there, being a part of something bigger than myself and trying to move my country forward,” she said.